Enter Our 28 Days of Wellness Promotion

The key to staying in shape this summer is 10,000 steps a day. (Photo: Instagram)

Sunshine, warm air, and long days — with summer in full swing, it’s as good a time as any to get in shape. But we’re not here to send you to boot camp or put you on a 30-day cleanse because it turns out the easiest way to stay fit is by taking a walk. Whether you go before, after, or during a break at the office (who doesn’t love a little fresh air in the middle of the work day?), making time to get in those extra steps will make you feel and look better. “10,000 steps is the daily minimum if you want to be a healthy person,” says celebrity trainer and author of 5 Pounds: The Breakthrough 5-Day Plan to Jump-Star Rapid Weight Loss (and Never Gain it Back), Harley Pasternak. “That number goes up to be a fit person and to be a really fit person, it’s even higher.”

Of course, you’ll want to pair your walking with a healthy diet that is right for your body and lifestyle. It’s important to keep in mind that no amount of steps can erase a bad diet. “Don’t think by walking extra it gives you carte blanche,” he says.

For the next 28 days, we will be partnering with Yahoo Health for a series of summer wellness giveaways. This week we are teaming up with Pasternak and Fitbit to giveaway one Fitbit Charge HR. To enter, follow Yahoo Beauty and Yahoo Health on Instagram. Then post a photo to your account showing where you get in your steps everyday — and be sure to tag @YahooHealth, @YahooBeauty and include the hashtag #28daysofwellness for your chance to win. A winner will be randomly selected on July 20, 2015. For complete rules, click here.

Check out Pasternak’s tips below for making those 10,000 steps a part of your everyday routine:

Wear comfortable shoes
“The more comfortable your feet are the more you want to move in them,” says Pasternak. If you’re in a super high pair of heels or just wearing an uncomfortable shoe, you’re going to be less likely to take the stairs or walk that extra block on your lunch break. “Wear something more comfortable and you’ll want to walk more.”

Dress appropriately
When it comes to getting in your steps, it’s not only about footwear. If you’re wearing a pencil skirt or a tight top, it makes moving comfortably just a little bit harder. “Its important to wear comfortable outfits that will make you more open to walking and walking further,” says Pasternak. “Look for materials that breathe well, nothing too thick or heavy.” If you have to dress up for work, consider keeping a change of clothes at your desk to wear for that mid-day or end of day walk.

Stay hydrated
“Have a bottle of water with you everywhere you go,” says Pasternak. “Not only will it keep you hydrated and energized but it’s also great resistance.” Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day. If that seems like a challenge, try adding some fresh fruit or cucumber wedges to your water jug for some added flavor or pick up a zero calorie beverage. Pasternak’s summer go-to’s are Vitamin Water Zero and Powerade Zero.

Monitor your activity
Pasternak gives all of his clients a Fitbit when they start working together. “It’s kind of this built in motivation,” he says. “Not only does it help to reach your personal goals each day, but you can link it with friends and coworkers and turn it into a healthy competition.” Activity monitors can help you keep track of how fast you move, how many calories you’re burning, and can monitor your heart rate.

Add resistance
“Don’t be scared to mix in some resistance exercises when you’re walking,” says Pasternak. “You can do this whether you’re walking on a trail or just around the block.” Try dropping down and doing a set of push-ups at the end of the block and at the next block do lunges. “Mixing in resistance will make your walk a walking boot camp.”

How To Enter: Registration for the Promotion is open any time between 12:00:01AM PT on July 13, 2015 and 11:59:59PM PT on July 19, 2015 (the “Promotion Period”). An Instagram account is required to participate in this Promotion. If you do not have an existing Instagram account, visit instagram.com and follow the instructions to create a free Instagram account (your “Instagram Account”). Once logged into Instagram, set your Instagram Account to “follow” Yahoo Health Instagram page: www.instagram.com/yahoohealth and Yahoo Beauty Instagram page: www.instagram.com/yahoobeauty (the “Promotion Instagram Pages”). Next, register for the Promotion by (i) taking a picture illustrating where you get your daily steps, (ii) posting your picture on your Instagram account (your “Post”) and (iii) including the hashtag “#28daysofwellness” in your Post. Completion of these steps will give you one (1) entry in the Promotion (your “Entry”).  
Your Instagram Account MUST (i) “follow” the Promotion Instagram Pages, (ii) share the Post and (iii) the “#28daysofwellness” hashtag must appear on the Post during the entire Promotion Period to be eligible to win and (iv) tag @yahoohealth and @yahoobeauty.